10 Best Cities to Visit in the Dominican Republic
Are you planning your trip to the Dominican Republic? Check out the top ten cities that you should put on your list to make sure you make the most out of your vacation!
1. Punta Cana
Punta Cana is one of the most visited and well-known areas of the Dominican Republic. Punta Cana features a great selection of beautiful beach resorts along a 100 Kilometer coastline. You’ll be able to find everything including swimming with dolphins and sharks, party boats, ziplining, ATVs, and much more in Punta Cana. This is a perfect destination for first-time visitors who want an unforgettable vacation.
2. La Romana
La Romana is the home of Casa de Campo a world-renowned residential area known as the “celebrity getaway”. Within Casa de Campo are multi-million dollar homes, an expansive marina, and great activities ranging from horseback riding to deep-sea fishing. Other attractions in Casa de campo include Altos de Chavon which is a re-creation of a 16th century Mediterranean–style village that houses an art school, museum, fine dining, and an amphitheater that seats 5,000 persons and has hosted performers such as Gloria Estefan and Frank Sinatra. Casa de Campo also has some of the best golf courses in the world which include Teeth of the Dog, Dye Fore, and The Links. La Romana is ideal for travelers who want to live in the lap of luxury and truly experience the best of Dominican life.
3. Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo is the capital and largest city of the Dominican Republic. It is known as the first city in the Americas and is steeped in a rich history. Zona Colonial is a historic area within Santo Domingo that holds the New World’s first street, church, fortress, and many more wonderful sights. Santo Domingo is also the Caribbean’s largest metropolitan region. This means you can experience wonderful hotels, casinos, nightlife, and shopping within the city. This is the place to go when you want a taste of Caribbean city life.
4. Samaná
On the northern shore of the Dominican Republic is Samaná. This is known as the final destination of Christopher Columbus in the New World before his return to Spain. Between January and March, humpback whales inhabit the area to give birth, making it one of the best places to go whale watching. You can also visit Playa Rincón which is one of the top 10 beaches in the world. Its undeveloped white sandy beaches and beautiful blue waters make it a must-see for anyone who loves to travel. That’s not all, be sure to visit El Limón waterfall for a breathtaking experience.
5. Cabarete
If you enjoy watersports then Cabarete is for you! Once a quiet fishing community, it has grown into a haven for kiteboarding, windsurfing, snorkeling, kayaking, and legendary surfing. It is one of the most popular surfing destinations in the Caribbean and hosts multiple international championships. But it’s not all about water adventures. Cabarete has a lively nightlife with prominent hotels and restaurants that are within walking distance of each other.
6. Sosua
The city of Sosua is located in the north of the Dominican Republic and is counted among one of the most visited areas. It is known primarily for popular diving spots such as Airport Wall, which is full of submarine walls and tunnels; Zingara Wreck, an intriguing sunken vessel; Coral Gardens and Coral Wall, which are gorgeous coral reefs. Sosua is historically significant for the Jewish community. It served as a refugee spot for Jews who escaped from persecution during the second world war.
7. Bayahibe
Bayahibe is an exciting beach town with tons of appetizing restaurants and bars. It’s a great place to go for a night out, whether you are a tourist or a local. Bayahibe is also known for its exciting dive spots. Enjoy the beautiful beach or catch a boat to Saona Island from here. Once you’ve had your fill of Bayahibe, you can take a short drive to Dominicus beach or Casa de Campo and continue the excitement.
8. Puerto Plata
Puerto Plata is the birthplace of tourism in the Dominican Republic for many reasons. When Christopher Columbus came to this part of the island, he settled at La Isabela with the indigenous people. The ruins can still be seen today. The rich soil in this region produces bountiful cocoa and coffee plantations and the world’s lightest amber can be found just below its surface. Many visitors come to ride the teleferico which is a cable car that will take you to the top of Loma Isabel de Torres so you can witness the beautiful botanical garden and a panoramic view of the Atlantic coast. This is the only one of its kind in the Caribbean.
9. Jarabacoa
Jarabacoa is known as the “city of perpetual spring” for its wonderful climate that remains at around 71 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. Within this city, you will find the largest rivers in the Caribbean and you can experience the natural beauty of the Jimenoa and Biaguate waterfalls. Go for a romantic horseback ride or appreciate the diverse flora of the country. There are great activities such as mountain biking, rafting, and rappelling for more adventurous souls. All in all, Jarabacoa is a great place to go if you want to be immersed in nature, relaxation, and tranquility.
10. Las Terrenas
Las Terrenas is a city that is slowly rising in popularity for tourists. The most notable attractions are its white sandy beaches and crystal blue waters. It is a great place for viewing whales and dolphins. During the evenings, tourists can experience a lively nightlife.
